With dawn of Christmas fulfil responsibilities towards national reconciliation: President

President Maithripala Sirisena said that not only Christianity but all religions offered ample guidance for people to build a peaceful society while ensuring religious reconciliation, adding “it should be the determination of all to fulfil their respective duties towards national reconciliation, with the dawn of this Christmas.”

He made these remarks at a special Christmas festival at the President’s House in Colombo on Wednesday.

This Christmas festival, organised by the Presidential Secretariat, was attended by bishops, priests and nuns. The Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith also graced the event. 

Cardinal Ranjith, delivering a special address, reminded Christian devotees of their responsibility to protect the environment while celebrating the birth of Christ.

The cardinal further stated that today the Holy Father Pope Francis had also given the message of fulfilling responsibilities towards protecting nature and appreciated the commitment made by the President in protecting the environment. 

Expressing his views at the event, President Sirisena said that the Government was in the process of preparing a practical National Environmental Action Plan to protect the environment.

The colourful Christmas ceremony featured many items including carol singing. Ministers and parliamentarians, including Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, were present at this occasion.